Process for curing saturated polymers using divinyl hydantoin coagents

ABSTRACT

Unsaturated hydantoin derivatives of the formula ##STR1## where R 1  and R 2  are alkyl, R 3  is vinyl, allyl, alkylene, substituted alkylene or polyvalent aralkyl, R 4  is vinyl or allyl and n is 1 to 3, are coagents for curing polymeric compositions to improve their physical, chemical and electrical properties. These coagents are particularly useful in crosslinking PVC, polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene and poly(ethylene/vinyl acetate) compositions.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 886,205, filed Mar. 13,1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,465, issued on Sept. 11, 1979, which inturn is a divisional of application Ser. No. 711,200, filed on Aug. 4,1976, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,223, issued on May 23, 1978.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to curable polymeric compositions and inparticular to novel curable polymeric compositions containingunsaturated hydantoin derivatives.

Some unsaturated hydantoin derivatives are known. British Pat. No.846,601 pertains to vinyl derivatives of substituted monohydantoins,processes for preparing these materials and to polymers and copolymerscontaining such moieties. 3-Vinyl and 1,3-divinyl hydantoin derivativesare described. These materials are homopolymerized or copolymerized withother unsaturated polymerizable molecules. The use of the 1,3-divinylcompounds as crosslinking agents in the copolymerization with otherunsaturated compounds is disclosed. Unsaturated bis or tris hydantoinsare not suggested.

3-Allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin is disclosed by M. Sato, Nippon KagakuZasshi, 83, 323 (1962); Chem. Abst. 59, 3908 (1963).

A crosslinking agent is a polyfunctional compound which whenincorporated into a polymerizing system enters the polymerizing chains,and by virtue of its polyfunctional nature leads to crosslinked ornetwork structures.

In the free radical polymerization systems, polyfunctional vinylmonomers such as divinylbenzene, ethylene bismethacrylate and triallylcyanurate are well known as crosslinking agents. British Pat. No.846,601 suggests that 1,3-divinylhydantoins might be such crosslinkingagents as well. These crosslinking agents contain active ethylenicdouble bonds which react with active ethylenic double bonds in the othermonomers present to undergo the crosslinking polymerization reaction.

However, it is known that essentially saturated high molecular weightpolymers are often subject to deterioration by thermal, oxidative,light, irradiation or chemical means. Among such polymers are thepolyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and the like. Thesepolymeric materials are currently being extensively used as insulationfor wire and cable, in conduits, in containers, etc. The fabrication,molding, extrusion, and calendering of these materials is readilyaccomplished by standard methods. Despite all this, however, theapplications of these polymers are circumscribed by their lack of hightemperature form stability, that is, their inability to retain aparticular shape at elevated temperatures , by their solubility incertain solvents, and by their relatively poor resistance toenvironmental stress cracking. In U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,264,252 and 3,562,202it is disclosed that the physical properties of such polymers can begreatly improved by the addition thereto of a minor amount of quinoneoxime and curing at a temperature above 170° C. The hydrocarboninsolubility of the polymers is improved and the polymers have increasedresistance to creep and to stress cracking.

Chlorinated polyethylene elastomers are well known materials in therubber art. They are prepared from branched or linear polyethylene byhomogeneous solution chlorination or by chlorination of dispersions offinely divided polyethylene in water or other suitable dispersing media.Solution chlorination gives a chlorinated polyethylene of relativelyuniform distribution of chlorine atoms on the polymer chain, whiledispersion chlorination gives products with a more random distributionof chlorine. Using either method, it is well known that the introductioninto the polymer molecule of between 20 and 50% chlorine atoms by weightproduces an elastomeric product from polyethylenes which are highlycrystalline before chlorination.

Useful elastomeric products must necessarily be vulcanized, or cured bycross-linking. Vulcanization of chlorinated polyethylene has generallybeen difficult, and the products known as chlorosulfonatedpolyethylenes, which contain a minor proportion of sulfonyl chloridegroups as reactive cross-linking sites are often employed inapplications where the simple chlorinated polyethylenes might otherwisebe preferred. It has been recommended in the art to vulcanizechlorinated polyethylenes with peroxides, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.2,534,078, but vulcanizates so obtained are difficult to prepare andhave not had physical properties adequate for many uses.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,531,455 the curing of the chlorinated polyethylenecomposition using an organic peroxide and a polyunsaturated coagenttriallyl cyanurate is described to give highly vulcanized products withgood properties.

It is well known to promote the peroxide vulcanization or curing ofsaturated chain polymers by including in the formulation any of avariety of polyunsaturated coagents.

Among the coagents disclosed in the prior art are various maleimidessuch as N,N'-m-phenylene dimaleimide; allyl esters such as diallylphthalate, diallyl sebacate, diallyl adipate, allyl methacrylate,diallyl itaconate, triallyl aconitate, diallyl carbonate of diethyleneglycol and the like; divinylbenzene, triallyl cyanurate, polybutadiene(1,2), triallyl phosphate, triacryloylhexahydrotriazine, andpolyfunctional acrylate or methacrylate esters such as ethylenedimethacrylate, butylene dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycoldimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, ethylene diacrylateand the like.

The essentially saturated polymers which can be cured with the help ofcoagents include chlorinated polyethylene (A. R. Guy et al, RubberWorld, 162(3),60(1970); poly(vinyl chloride) (M. H. Gerard, Soc. Plast.Eng., Tech. Pap., 17, 480 (1971); polypropylene (Japan Patent 71,10664);copolymers of ethylene/vinyl acetate, ethylene/vinyl chloride andethylene/propylene; chlorosulfonated polyethylene; various rubbers suchas nitrile rubber, EPM, EPDM, NBR, SBR and the like.

When peroxide curing is involved, any of the peroxides normally used incuring polymeric systems can be employed. Representative types ofperoxides are aryl peroxides, acyl peroxides, aralkyl peroxides, alkylperoxides and ketone peroxides. Specific examples are dicumyl peroxideand its higher homologues, dibenzoyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide,succinyl peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, n-butyl4,4'-bis(t-butyl peroxy)valerate, acetyl peroxide, dicamphoryl peroxide,phthalyl peroxide, tertiary butyl hydroperoxide, ethyl percamphorate,hydroxyalkyl hydroperoxides and other similar organic peroxides orsubstances which give rise to such peroxides under the hereinafterdescribed reaction conditions. Dicumyl peroxide is preferred because ofthe fast rate of cure and excellent vulcanizate properties which resultfrom its use.

The use of coagents in the radiation curing of polymers for improvedproperties is also known, (G. R. Berbeco, Insulation/Circuits,17(2),23(1971)). Radiation processing is carried out by γ-rays fromradioisotopes, primarily cobalt-60, or preferably by high-energyelectrons from electron accelerators. The same polymers and coagentsdescribed under peroxide curing are also used in the radiation curingprocess. Japan Pat. No. 71,10664 discloses the irradiation curing ofpolypropylene using the coagent diallyl carbonate of diethylene glycol.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

This invention pertains to unsaturated hydantoin derivatives which arecoagents for curing polymeric compositions to improve their physical,chemical and/or electrical properties.

More particularly, this invention relates to unsaturated hydantoinderivatives of the formula I or II ##STR2## wherein R₁ and R₂ areindependently each hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or phenyl, orR₁ and R₂ together are alkylene of 4 to 6 carbon atoms,

R₃ is vinyl, allyl, alkylene of 1 to 6 carbon atoms,3-oxapentamethylene, 2-allyloxytrimethylene or polyvalent aralkyl of 8to 12 carbon atoms,

R₄ is vinyl or allyl, and

n is an integer from 1 to 3.

R₁ and R₂ can independently each be hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 6 carbonatoms such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, isoamyl and n-hexyl.R₁ and R₂ can also be each phenyl or together can be alkylene of 4 to 6carbon atoms such as tetramethylene, pentamethylene or hexamethylene.

Preferably R₁ and R₂ are independently each alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atomsor R₁ and R₂ together are pentamethylene. Most preferably R₁ and R₂ areeach methyl.

When n is 1, R₃ is vinyl or allyl. When n is 2 or 3, R₃ is alkylene of 1to 6 carbon atoms such as methylene, ethylene, tetramethylene andhexamethylene. R₃ is also 3-oxapentamethylene or 2-allyloxytrimethylene.R₃ is also polyvalent aralkyl of 8 to 12 carbon atoms such as p-xylyleneand 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-mesitylylene.

Preferably when n is 2 or 3, R₃ is alkylene of 1 to 2 carbon atoms,2-allyloxytrimethylene, p-xylylene or2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-mesitylylene.

Compounds of special interest include the unsaturated hydantoinderivatives of formula I or II as hereinbefore defined with the provisothat when n is 1, R₃ and R₄ cannot both be vinyl.

Accordingly, the compounds of this invention include unsaturatedhydantoins of the following structures: ##STR3## wherein R₁, R₂ and R₄are as defined above and R₃ ' is alkylene of 1 to 6 carbon atoms,3-oxapentamethylene, 2-allyloxytrimethylene or p-xylylene.

Examples of individual compounds of formula I and II include thefollowing:

1,3-divinyl-5,5-pentamethylenehydantoin

1,3-divinylhydantoin

1,3-diallyl-5-ethyl-5-sec-amylhydantoin

1,3-diallyl-5-methyl-5-isobutylhydantoin

1,3-diallyl-5-methyl-5-ethylhydantoin

1,3-diallyl-5-methyl-5-phenylhydantoin

1,3-diallyl-5-ethyl-5-(2-methylbutyl)hydantoin

1,3-diallyl-5,5-pentamethylenehydantoin

1,3-divinyl-5-methyl-5-isobutylhydantoin

1,3-divinyl-5-methyl-5-ethylhydantoin

1,3-divinyl-5-methyl-5-phenylhydantoin

1,3-divinyl-5-ethyl-5-(2-methylbutyl)hydantoin

1-allyl-3-vinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin

1,3-diallylhydantoin

The invention also pertains to curable polymeric compositions and inparticular to curable polymeric compositions containing unsaturatedhydantoin derivatives of formula I or II.

More particularly this invention relates to a curable polymericcomposition comprising, per 100 parts by weight of, an essentiallysaturated polymer or mixture of such polymers capable of being cured atelevated temperature in the presence of 1 to 10 parts by weight of anorganic peroxide or of being cured by radiation at ambient temperature,and from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a compound of formula I or II##STR4## wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently each hydrogen, alkyl of 1to 6 carbon atoms or phenyl, or R₁ and R₂ together are alkylene of 4 to6 carbon atoms,

R₃ is vinyl, allyl, alkylene of 1 to 6 carbon atoms,3-oxapentamethylene,2-allyloxytrimethylene or polyvalent aralkyl of 8 to12 carbon atoms,

R₄ is vinyl or allyl, and

n is an integer from 1 to 3.

Preferably the compounds of formula I or II useful in the curablecompositions of this invention are those where R₁ and R₂ areindependently each alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or R₁ and R₂ togetherare pentamethylene; when n is 1, R₃ is vinyl or allyl; when n is 2 or 3,R₃ is alkylene of 1 to 2 carbon atoms, 2-allyloxytrimethylene,p-xylylene or 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-mesitylylene, and R₄ is vinyl orallyl.

Particularly preferred compounds of formula I or II useful in thecurable compositions of this invention are those where R₁ and R₂ areeach methyl. Among the unsaturated hydantoins of this inventionexhibiting especially efficacious activity as a curing coagent in thecurable compositions are 1,3-divinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin,1,3-diallyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin,1,1'-methylene-bis(3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin),3,3'-methylene-bis-(1-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin),2,4,6-tris(3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin-1-ylmethyl)-mesitylene,1,3-bis(1-allyl-5,5-dimethylhyantoin-3-yl)-2-allyloxypropane and1,1'-p-xylylene-bis(3-vinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin).

The compounds of formula I or II used as coagents in the compositions ofthis invention are used at the 0.1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 partsof the essentially saturated polymer or mixture of such polymers to becured. Preferably the amount of hydantoin coagent used is from 3 to 5parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer to be cured.

The organic peroxides useful in the curable compositions of thisinvention are aryl peroxides, acyl peroxides, aralkyl peroxides, alkylperoxides and ketone peroxides.

Specific examples are dicumyl peroxide and its higher homologues,dibenzoyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, succinyl peroxide, methyl ethylketone peroxide, n-butyl 4,4'-bis(t-butyl peroxy) valerate, acetylperoxide, dicamphoryl peroxide, phthalyl peroxide, tertiary butylhydroperoxide, ethyl percamphorate, hydroxyalkyl hydroperoxides andother similar organic peroxides or substances which give rise to suchperoxides under the hereinafter described reaction conditions. Dicumylperoxide is preferred because of the fast rate of cure and excellentvulcanizate properties which result from its use. The organic peroxidesare added in the amount of about 1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 partsof polymer. A preferred amount is about 1.5 to 5 parts. Peroxide presentin this quantity is economical and yet provides an adequate rate ofcure.

The compositions of this invention can be cured by subjecting them toheat. The temperatures used are those ordinarily employed in the curingof polymeric materials, typically ranging from about 150° C. to 250° C.The time required for curing the composition will vary with thetemperature, activity of the peroxide used, and state of cure desired,but can be routinely determined by one skilled in the art. The cure isgenerally effected under superatmospheric pressures, however thepressure used is not critical and can vary from about atmospheric to2000 p.s.i.g. (140 kg/cm²).

The curable compositions of this invention can also be cured byradiation at ambient temperatures. Such radiation is conveniently gammarays (γ-rays) from radioisotopes such as cobalt-60 or preferablyhigh-energy electrons produced using electron beam accelerators.

The essentially saturated polymers or mixtures thereof which are capableof being cured at elevated temperatures in the presence of organicperoxides or at ambient temperatures by radiation with γ-rays or highenergy electrons and which are useful in the compositions of thisinvention include the polymonoolefins such as polyethylene,polypropylene, polybutylene and the like: the copolymers of monoolefinswith other monoolefins, or with vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride and thelike; chlorinated polyethylene; chlorosulfonated polyethylene;poly(vinyl chloride); and mixtures or blends of such polymers. Ofparticular importance for use in the wire and cable insulation coveringfield are poly(vinyl chloride), chlorinated polyethylene, ethylene/vinylacetate copolymer and blends thereof.

This invention also pertains to the process for curing an essentiallysaturated polymer or a mixture of such polymers which comprisesincorporating into said polymer or mixture of said polymers for each 100parts by weight of polymer 0 to 10 parts by weight of an organicperoxide and from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a compound of formula Ior II ##STR5## wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently each hydrogen, alkylof 1 to 6 carbon atoms or phenyl, or R₁ and R₂ together are alkylene of4 to 6 carbon atoms,

R₃ is vinyl, allyl, alkylene of 1 to 6 carbon atoms,3-oxapentamethylene, 2-allyloxytrimethylene or polyvalent arallyl of 8to 12 carbon atoms,

R₄ is vinyl or allyl, and

n is an integer from 1 to 3, and

subjecting the resultant composition to heat at elevated temperaturewhen an organic peroxide is present or to radiation at ambienttemperature in the absence of a peroxide in order to effect curing ofthe essentially saturated polymer or mixture of such polymers.

Preferably the compounds of formula I or II useful in the curing processof this invention are those where R₁ and R₂ are independently each alkylof 1 to 4 carbon atoms or R₁ and R₂ are pentamethylene; when n is 1, R₃is vinyl or allyl; when n is 2 or 3, R₃ is alkylene of 1 to 2 carbonatoms, 2-allyloxytrimethylene, p-xylylene or2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-mesitylylene, and R₄ is vinyl or allyl.

Particularly preferred compounds of formula I or II useful in the curingprocess of this invention are those where R₁ and R₂ are each methyl.Among the unsaturated hydantoins of this invention exhibiting especiallyefficacious activity as a curing coagent in the process of thisinvention are 1,3-divinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin,1,3-diallyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin,1,1'-methylenebis(3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin),3,3'-methylenebis(1-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin),2,4,6-tris(3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin-1-ylmethyl)mesitylene,1,3-bis(1-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin-3-yl)-2-allyloxypropane and1,1'-p-xylylene-bis(3-vinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin).

The compounds of formula I or II used as coagents in the curing processof this invention are used at the 0.1 to 10 parts by weight per 100parts of the essentially saturated polymer or mixture of said polymersto be cured. Preferably the amount of hydantoin coagent used is from 3to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer to be cured.

The process for curing essentially saturated polymers can be carried outin the presence of 1 to 10 parts by weight per each 100 parts of polymerof an organic peroxide selected from the group consisting of arylperoxides, acyl peroxides, aralkyl peroxides, alkyl peroxides and ketoneperoxides as hereinbefore described. Preferably 1.5 to 5 parts by weightof the organic peroxide is used in the process. Dicumyl peroxide isparticularly preferred for its rate of cure and excellent propertiesresulting from its use.

The process for curing essentially saturated polymers can also becarried out by radiation at ambient temperature using γ-rays fromradiosotopes such as cobalt 60 or using high-energy electrons. Radiationfrom high-energy electrons from an electron beam accelerator ispreferred.

Method of Preparation

The hydantoins of this invention are in some cases items of commerce,e.g. 5,5-dimethylhydantoin, but they may be made by the classic Bucherersynthesis with potassium or sodium cyanide, ammonium carbonate and aketone or aldehyde. ##STR6## R₁ and R₂ are as defined above.

The aldehydes and ketones such as acetone, ethyl methyl ketone,cyclohexanone, ethyl sec-amyl ketone, ethyl 2-methylbutyl ketone,butyraldehyde and the like are generally items of commerce.

Unsaturation can be introduced into the hydantoins of this invention ina number of ways.

a. The introduction of vinyl groups can be done by either of two facilemethods.

1. Direct Vinylation

This method is described in British Pat. No. 846,601 and involves thereaction of a hydantoin in an inert liquid system with acetylene atelevated temperature in the presence of a vinylation catalyst such ascadmium acetate. This method is used in Example 1 to prepare1,3-divinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin. ##STR7##

2. Pyrolysis

This method involves first the reaction of the hydantoin with an oxiraneto form a β-hydroxyalkyl derivative as seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,381,121and 3,629,263 followed by esterification and then pyrolysis at veryelevated temperature. This method is also exemplified in Example 1.##STR8##

For reasons of economy and ease of operation, direct vinylation would bea preferred process.

b. The introduction of allyl groups is done by use of an allyl halide,preferably allyl chloride, with the hydantoin in the presence of base.Substitution of hydantoin molecules on the 3-N is accomplished easily inthe presence of a base such as potassium carbonate as seen in Example 2.Substitution of hydantoin moieties on the 1-N is more difficult andrequires the formation of the corresponding alkali metal (preferablysodium) salt using sodium hydride, lithium amide, or the like as seen inExample 3. ##STR9##

The 1,1-methylene bis-hydantoins used in this invention are prepared byreacting the mono-hydantoin with formaldehyde as seen in U.S. Pat. No.3,793,248. ##STR10##

The 3,3-alkylene, oxaalkylene or alkylarylenealkyl bis-hydantoins areprepared by reacting the monohydantoin with the corresponding dihalide,preferably chloride or bromide, in the presence of a base according tothe teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,296,208 and 3,542,803. ##STR11## X ischloride or bromide.

Utility

The unsaturated hydantoins of formula I or II of this invention areuseful as curing agents for polymeric compositions.

The curable polymeric compositions of this invention contain from 0.1 to10 parts by weight of an unsaturated hydantoin of formula I or II per100 parts of essentially saturated polymer. Preferably for reasons ofeconomy 3 to 5 parts by weight of the unsaturated hydantoin of formula Ior II is sufficient to achieve adequate curing.

When peroxide curing is involved, any peroxide normally used in curingpolymers can be employed in this invention. Representative types ofperoxides are aryl peroxides, acyl peroxides, aralkyl peroxides, alkylperoxides and ketone peroxides. Specific examples are dicumyl peroxideand its higher homologues, dibenzoyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide,succinyl peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, n-butyl4,4'-bis(t-butyl peroxy) valerate, acetyl peroxide, dicamphorylperoxide, phthalyl peroxide, tertiary butyl hydroperoxide, ethylpercamphorate, hydroxyalkyl hydroperoxides and other similar organicperoxides or substances which give rise to such peroxides under thehereinafter described reaction conditions. Dicumyl peroxide is preferredbecause of the fast rate of cure and excellent vulcanizate propertieswhich result from its use. The organic peroxides are added in the amountof about 1 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts of polymer. A preferredamount is about 1.5 to 5 parts. Peroxide present in this quantity iseconomical and yet provides an adequate rate of cure.

The peroxide-containing compositions of this invention are cured bysubjecting them to heat. The temperatures used are those ordinarilyemployed in the curing of polymeric materials, typically ranging fromabout 150° C. to 250° C. The time required for curing the compositionwill vary with the temperature, activity of the peroxide used, and stateof cure desired but can be routinely determined by one skilled in theart. The cure is generally effected under superatmospheric pressures,however the pressure used is not critical and can vary from aboutatmospheric in 2000 p.s.i.g. (140 kg/cm²).

When radiation curing is involved, the same polymeric formulationscontaining an unsaturated hydantoin of formula I or II, but without anyperoxide component are employed.

The compositions of this invention, containing no peroxide component,are cured by subjecting them to irradiation by γ-rays from aradioisotope such as cobalt-60 or preferably by high-energy electronsfrom an electron accelerator. The amount of irradiation can becontrolled by the energy dose and the time of exposure. Radiationprocessing is normally carried out under ambient temperatures. Dosagerates to achieve acceptable curing of the compositions of this inventionrange from 0.1 to 10 megarads. Preferably 3 to 7 megarads of irradiationis sufficient to bring about adequate curing. The presence of anunsaturated hydantoin of formula I or II permits the use of lower dosagelevels of irradiation to achieve the same level of curing that isrequired in the absence of the unsaturated hydantoin coagent.

The compositions of this invention are prepared by conventional methodsof mixing, formulating and processing. Various compounding agents suchas vulcanization aids, fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers, antioxidants,pigments, carbon black and the like can be used in the compositions ofthis invention.

The compositions of this invention make possible the safe, rapid andfacile curing of essentially saturated polymers by conventional peroxideor radiation processes.

This invention is useful in the manufacture of various items of commercesuch as wire covering, cable insulation hose, films, roofing materials,flashings, molded goods, automotive body panels and the like. Ofparticular importance are improved wire and cable coverings andautomotive body panels.

It is also contemplated that the unsaturated hydantoins of thisinvention may be useful as the polyene components for photopolymersbased on thiol/ene polymer technology. Such photopolymers are used forimaging applications such as in printing plate (Letterflex) preparation,and for a myriad of coating applications such as clear top coats formetal parts, automotive dash panels, UV curable pressure sensitive tape,wire coating, quick drying paints and solder resist coatings for circuitboards. The polymers based on polythiols and polyenes are cured usingperoxides or by radiation by ultraviolet light, high energy electrons orγ-rays.

The following examples are presented for the purpose of illustrationonly and are not to be construed to limit the nature or scope of theinstant invention in any manner whatsoever.

EXAMPLE 1 1,3-Divinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin

This material may be prepared by reacting acetylene with5,5-dimethylhydantoin according to the procedure of Example 29 ofBritish Pat. No. 846,601.

Alternatively, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-divinylhydantoin was prepared byacetylating at 80° C. for two hours 216 grams (1 mole) of1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-5,5-dimethylhydantoin with 408 grams (4 moles)of acetic anhydride in the presence of 20 ml. of pyridine to form thecorresponding diacetate ester. Pyrolysis of said diacetate ester bypassing through a hot tube at 550° C. gave the above product in a 67%yield (at 39% conversion), boiling at 89°-92° C./0.2 mm. (Compound 1).

EXAMPLE 2 3-Allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin

To a vigorously stirred mixture of 152 grams (1.1 mole) of potassiumcarbonate and 128.1 grams (1.0 mole) of 5,5-dimethylhydantoin is 450 ml.of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was added dropwise 84.1 grams (1.1 mole)of allyl chloride over a 50 minute period. The temperature roseexothermically to 66° C., and the reaction mixture was then heated fortwo hours at 60°-70° C. After cooling to room temperature and removingthe salt by filtration, a crude product was obtained by evaporation ofthe filtrate to dryness. The crude product was purified byrecrystallization from ether to yield the above named product in a yield112.3 grams (67%) melting at 63°-67° C. (Compound 2)

Analysis: Calc'd for C₈ H₁₂ N₂ O₂ : C,57.13; H,7.19; N,16.66. Found:C,56.92; H,7.24; N,16.76.

EXAMPLE 3 1,3-Diallyl-5,5-dimethylhydrantoin

To a slurry of 4.8 grams (0.1 mole) of a 50% sodium hydride mineral oildispersion in 35 ml. of DMF ws added portionwise with stirring 17.6grams (0.105 mole) of 3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin. Hydrogen wasevolved in this exothermic reaction. The reaction mixture was heated andstirred at 55°-60° C. for 1 hour till the gas evolution ceased and aclear solution resulted. To the solution was added dropwise withstirring over a 10-minute period keeping the temperature below 80° C.9.3 grams (0.12 mole) of allyl chloride. The reaction mixture was thenheated at 55°-60° C. for 1.5 hours. Following cooling to roomtemperature, the reaction mixture was poured into 100 ml of water. Anoily product was formed which was extracted using benzene and purifiedby vacuum distillation. The above named product was obtained in a yield14.15 grams (68%) boiling at 89°-92° C./0.1 mm. (Compound 3)

Analysis: Calc'd for C₁₁ H₁₆ N₂ O₂ : C,63.44; H,7.74; N,13.45. Found:C,63.75; H,7.85; N,13.52.

EXAMPLE 4 1,1'-Methylene-bis(3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin)

To a mixture of 13.5 grams (0.05 mole) of1,1'-methylene-bis(5,5-dimethylhydantoin), prepared in Example 1 of U.S.Pat. No. 2,417,999, and 6.5 gram (0.1 mole) of 86.6% potassium hydroxidein 100 ml of ethanol and 4 ml of water was added dropwise with stirring12.0 grams (0.157 mole) of allyl chloride over a 10-minute period. Thereaction mixture was then refluxed for 30 hours and cooled to roomtemperature. Salt was removed by filtration, and the filtrate evaporatedunder vacuum to yield a crude product which was then purified byrecrystallization from ether. The above named product was isolated in ayield of 10.6 grams (61%) melting at 97°-101° C. (Compound 4)

Analysis: Calc'd for C₁₇ H₂₄ N₄ O₄ : C,58.60; H,6.94; N,16.08. Found:C,58.49; H,7.06; N,16.02.

EXAMPLE 5 1,1'-p-Xylylene-bis-(3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin)

Using the procedure of Example 3, 0.1 mole of the sodium salt of3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin was prepared in DMF solution. To thesolution at 35° C. was added dropwise over a 20-minute period 8.75 grams(0.05 mole) of p-xylylene dichloride dissolved in 24 ml. of benzene. Thereaction mixture was then heated for 2.5 hours at 60° C., then cooledand poured into 200 ml. of water. The crude product was separated byfiltration, washed with water and then heptane and dried in vacuo overphosphoric anhydride. The material was then purified byrecrystallization from isopropanol to give the above named product in ayield of 17.0 grams (78%) melting at 124°-127° C. (Compound 5)

Analysis: Calc'd for C₂₄ H₃₀ N₄ O₄ : C,65.73; H,6.90; N,12.78. Found:C,65.93; H,7.21; N,12.88.

EXAMPLE 6 3,3'-Methylene-bis(1-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin)

Following the procedure of Example 3, 10.7 grams (0.04 mole) of3,3'-methylene-bis(5,5-dimethylhydantoin), prepared according to Example1, U.S. Pat. No. 3,296,208, were reacted with 3.8 grams (0.08 mole) of a50% sodium hydride mineral oil dispersion in 50 ml. of DMF. To thereaction mixture thus formed was added dropwise 6.1 grams (0.08 mole) ofallyl chloride. The reaction mixture was then heated at 50°-75° C. for 4hours. After cooling to room temperature and removing the insoluble saltby filtration, the solvent was removed in vacuo to give a viscous oil.The oil was triturated with 75 ml. of hexane to give a crude solid whichwas purified by recrystallization from ethyl acetate. The above namedproduct was obtained in a yield of 3.8 grams (27%) melting at 107°-115°C. (Compound 6)

Analysis: Calc'd for C₁₇ H₂₄ N₄ O₄ : C,58.60; H,6.94; N,16.08. Found:C,57.72; H,6.94; N,16.19.

NMR spectrum was consistent with expected structure.

EXAMPLE 7 1,3-Bis(1-allyl-5,5-dimethylydantoin-3-yl)-2-allyloxypropane

Using the general procedure of Example 6, 7.2 grams (0.15 mole) of the50% sodium hydride mineral oil dispersion was reacted in DMF with 15.6grams (0.05 mole) of 1,3-bis(5,5-dimethylhydantoin-3-yl)-propan-2-ol,prepared according to Example B, U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,243. To the DMFsolution was then added dropwise 11.5 grams (0.15 mole) of allylchloride. The reaction mixture was heated for 2 hours at 60° C. and thecrude product isolated as a viscous oil as in Example 6. The oil waspurified by recrystallization from ether: hexane (1:1) to give the abovenamed product in a yield of 12.9 grams (46%) melting at 48°-57° C.(Compound 7)

Analysis: Calc'd for C₂₂ H₃₂ N₄ O₅ : C,61.09; H,7.46; N,12.96. Found:C,60,78; H,7.47; N,12.87.

EXAMPLE 8 2,4,6-Tris(3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin-1-ylmethyl)mesitylene

Using the procedure of Example 5 by substituting an equivalent amount of2,4,6-tris(chloromethyl)mesitylene for p-xylylene dichloride, the abovenamed product was obtained as a crude product melting at 150°-155° C.Recrystallization from isopropanol gave the above named product in ayield of 69% melting at 153°-157° C. A further recrystallization frommethanol raised the product melting point to 158°-160° C. (Compound 8)

Analysis: Calc'd for C₃₆ H₄₈ N₆ O₆ : C,65.43; H,7.32; N,12.72. Found:C,65.43; H,7.74; N,12.58.

EXAMPLE 9 1,1'-p-xylylene-bis(3-vinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin)

Following the general procedure of Example 5,3-allyl-5,5-dimethyl-hydantoin was replaced by an equivalent amount of3-vinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, prepared according to Example 1, BritishPat. No. 846,601. Reaction with p-xylylene dichloride was carried out at60°-80° C. for 18 hours. An oily product was isolated by pouring thereaction mixture into water and extracting with chloroform. The crudeproduct was purified by recrystallization from isopropanol to give theabove named product in a yield of 8.4 grams (41%) melting at 114°-123°C. (Compound 9)

Analysis: Calc'd for C₂₂ H₂₆ N₄ O₄ : C,64.37; H,6.39; N,13.65. Found:C,64.04; H,6.32; N,13.22.

EXAMPLE 10 Coagents in PVC-CPE Blend Formulations

Coagents are used in conjunction with peroxides such as dicumyl peroxide(Di-Cup) to modify the characteristics of crosslinked and/orcrosslinkable polymer formulations such as poly (vinylchloride)-chlorinated polyethylene (PVC-CPE) blends. The effectivenessof the coagent is determined by the degree of crosslinking which occurs.

The coagent compounds were formulated at the 3 phr level into a PVC-CPEblend listed below and milled on a two-roll mill for a total of 5minutes with 1.8 phr Di-Cup being added after 4 minutes of milling. Thefront roll of the mill was kept at 135° C. and the rear roll at 125° C.during this operation. The blended formulations were then compressionmolded in a press at 175° C. for 3 minutes at 1000 psi (70 kg/cm²) andthen for 4 minutes at 6000 psi (420 kg/cm²) to prepare 75 mil (1.905 mm)thick plaques. The plaques were then cut into micro tensile bars andtheir tensile strength measured at 150° C. The tensile strength of thebar at elevated temperatures is a relative measure of the degree ofcrosslinking, the higher the tensile strength the greater thecrosslinking.

    ______________________________________                                        PVC-CPE Blend                                                                 ______________________________________                                        PVC (Geon 92, Goodrich)                                                                              100     phr                                            CPE (MX 2243, Dow)     30                                                     DOP (plasticizer dioctyl                                                      phthalate)             40                                                     Leadstar (stabilizer-                                                         lubricant,                                                                    NL Industries)         1                                                      Dythal-XL (Stabilizer,                                                        NL Industries)         4                                                      ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        3 phr Coagent     Tensile Strength at 150° C.                          plus 1.8 phr Di-Cup                                                                             psi          kg/cm.sup.2                                    ______________________________________                                        None              14           0.98                                           Di-Cup alone      28           1.96                                           Compound 1        42           2.94                                           Compound 3        45           3.15                                           Compound 4        46           3.22                                           Compound 5        28           1.96                                           Compound 6        32           2.34                                           Compound 7        41           2.87                                           Compound 8        42           2.94                                           Compound 9        47           3.29                                           ______________________________________                                    

All of the unsaturated hydantoins tested were effective as coagents inthis PVC-CPE peroxide cured blend formulation except Compound 5.Compound 6 exhibited only modest coagent activity.

EXAMPLE 11 Coagents in EVA-CPE Blend Formulations

Coagents are used in the electron beam cross-linking ofpoly(ethylene/vinyl acetate)-chlorinated polyethylene (EVA-CPE) blendsused in wire insulation applications. Polyacrylates andpolymethacrylates are currently used in this application even thoughtheir electrical properties are marginal for this application.

The coagent compounds were added at the 5 phr level into an EVA-CPEblend listed below and milled on a two-roll mill for a total of 6minutes. The front roll of the mill was kept at 210° F. (99° C.) and theback roll at 190° F. (88° C.) during this operation. The blendedformulations were then compression molded in a press with a preheatcycle of 1 minute at 250° F. (121° C.) and then 2 minutes at 250° F.(121° C.) and 6000 psi (420 kg/cm²) to yield films of 15 mil (0.38 mm)or 30 mil (0.76 mm) thickness. These films were then irradiated under anelectron beam at two dosages, 3 and 7 megarads, respectively. Thepercent gel in the sample following irradiation indicated the amount ofcrosslinking which occurred. The higher the gel content, the higher isthe degree of crosslinking.

    ______________________________________                                        EVA-CPE Blend                                                                 ______________________________________                                        CPE (2243.04, Dow)       50     phr                                           EVA (DuPont)             50                                                   Drapex 6.8 (Argus Chem. Corp.                                                 plasticizer)             2.5                                                  Dythal XL (NL Industries,                                                     stabilizer-lubricant     6.0                                                  DS 207 (NL Industries,                                                        stabilizer-lubricant     1.0                                                  Oncor 23A (NL Industries,                                                     flame retardant)         20                                                   2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-                                                 4-hydroxybenzyl)mesitylene                                                                             1.5                                                  (antioxidant)                                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The percent gel was determined by wrapping a sample of known weight(approximately 1 gram) in a stainless steel screen and placing it in acontainer of refluxing tetrahydrofuran (THF) for 24 hours. The screencontaining insolubles were removed, rinsed with THF and dried. The % gelwas calculated as follows: ##EQU1##

It is recognized that the final weight includes some THF insolubleadditives used, but this would be the same for all samples so nocorrection was made and the relative values obtained are valid.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                                     % Gel, Irradiation (Electron Beam)                               5 phr Coagent  3 megarads      7 megarads                                     ______________________________________                                        None           45.9            67.8                                           Compound 1     65.0            78.1                                           Compound 3     60.6            75.2                                           Compound 4     54.6            70.6                                           Compound 5     41.3            62.5                                           Compound 6     36.4            56.8                                           Compound 7     42.2            63.6                                           Compound 8     35.3            61.5                                           TAC*           54.1            74.7                                           SR 209**       58.7            74.3                                           SR 350***      69.9            81.4                                           ______________________________________                                         *TAC is triallyl cyanurate                                                    **SR 209 is tetraethyleneglycol bismethacrylate                               ***SR 350 is 1,1,1trimethylolpropane trismethacrylate                    

1,3-Divinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin and 1,3-diallyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoinexhibited excellent coagent activity in the radiation curing of anEVA-CPE blend formulation. Both are superior to triallyl cyanurate andare comparable to the polyfunctional methacrylates used as coagents.

The bis hydantoin, compound 4, performed as a coagent at the overalllevel of triallyl cyanurate. The other unsaturated hydantoins were lesseffective as coagents in this radiation curing system in terms ofcrosslinking as measured by % gel formulation.

EXAMPLE 12 Coagents in EVA-CPE Blend Formulations

The 15 mil (0.38 mm) and 30 mil (0.76 mm) films prepared and radiationcured using 3 megarads of electron beam irradiation as in Example 11were oven aged at 150° C. for 7 days. The % elongation of the curedfilms before and after aging were measured. A high retention of %elongation after this thermal treatment was desirable.

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                                 Film      % Gel   % Elongation                                                                           % Retention                               5 phr    Thickness Un-     Un-        Elongation,                             Coagent  mil    mm     aged  aged Aged  Aged                                  ______________________________________                                        None     15     0.381  46    420  118   28                                    None     30     0.762  46    506  127   25                                    Compound 1                                                                             15     0.381  65    351  143   41                                    Compound 1                                                                             30     0.762  65    341  223   57                                    Compound 3                                                                             15     0.381  61    366   38   10                                    Compound 4                                                                             15     0.381  55    384   50   13                                    TAC*     15     0.381  54    349   65   19                                    SR 350** 15     0.381  70    257   94   37                                    SR 350** 30     0.762  70    212  106   50                                    ______________________________________                                         *TAC is triallyl cyanurate                                                    **SR 350 is 1,1,1trimethylolpropane trismethacrylate                     

A radiation cured EVA-CPE blend containing1,3-divinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin as coagent exhibited excellentabsolute levels of % elongation both before and after oven aging for 7days at 150° C. The % retention of elongation was somewhat superior tothe that obtained using the polyfunctional methacrylates and farsuperior to that obtained using triallyl cyanurate.

Compounds 3 and 4 led to % retention of elongation values comparable tothat obtained with triallyl cyanurate.

EXAMPLE 13 Coagents in EVA-CPE Blend Formulations

The 30 mil (0.76 mm) films prepared and radiation cured as described inExample 11 were tested using ASTM D-150 at 1000 megaHertz for dielectricconstant (K) and dissipation factor (D_(x)). These data are listed onTable 4.

                  TABLE 4                                                         ______________________________________                                        Electrical Properties Radiation Cured                                         EVA-CPE Blend Formulation                                                                 3 megarads  7 megarads                                            5 phr Coagent*                                                                              K        Dx       K      Dx                                     ______________________________________                                        None          --       --       3.68   0.016                                  TAC           3.65     0.018    3.29   0.018                                  TAIC          3.53     0.016    3.47   0.018                                  SR 350        --       --       3.58   0.024                                  SR 351        3.51     0.018    3.34   0.018                                  Compound 1    3.34     0.019    3.36   0.018                                  Compound 3    3.28     0.019    3.72   0.017                                  Compound 4    3.32     0.015    3.37   0.017                                  ______________________________________                                         *TAC is triallyl cyanurate                                                    TAIC is triallyl isocyanurate                                                 SR 350 is 1,1,1trimethylolpropane trismethacrylate                            SR 351 is 1,1,1trimethylolproane trisacrylate                            

With the exception of the K value at 7 megarads for compound 3, the Kand Dx values for the instant compounds indicated better electricalinsulating properties than did the control resins including thosecontaining TAC, TAIC, SR 350 and SR 351. Smaller values for K and Dx aredesirable for better electrical properties.

What is claimed is:
 1. A curable polymeric composition comprising, per100 parts by weight of, an essentially saturated polymer or a mixture ofsaid polymers capable of being cured at elevated temperature in thepresence of 1 to 10 parts by weight of an organic peroxide or of beingcured without peroxide by radiation at ambient temperature, and from 0.1to 10 parts by weight of an unsaturated hydantoin of the formula##STR12## wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently each hydrogen, alkyl of 1to 6 carbon atoms or phenyl, or R₁ and R₂ together are alkylene of 4 to6 carbon atoms.
 2. A composition according to claim 1 where in thehydantoin compound R₁ and R₂ are independently each alkyl of 1 to 4carbon atoms, or R₁ and R₂ together are pentamethylene.
 3. A compositionaccording to claim 1 wherein the hydantoin compound is1,3-divinyl-5,5-dimethyl-hydantoin.
 4. A composition according to claim1 wherein 3 to 5 parts by weight of an unsaturated hydantoin is used. 5.A composition according to claim 1 wherein the organic peroxide isselected from the group consisting of aryl peroxides, acyl peroxides,aralkyl peroxides, alkyl peroxides and ketone peroxides.
 6. Acomposition according to claim 5 wherein 1.5 to 5 parts by weight oforganic peroxide is used.
 7. A composition according to claim 5 whereinthe organic peroxide is dicumyl peroxide.
 8. A composition according toclaim 1 curable by radiation from γ-rays from the radioisotope cobalt-60or from high-energy electrons.
 9. A composition according to claim 8curable by radiation from high-energy electrons.
 10. A compositionaccording to claim 1 wherein the essentially saturated polymer ormixture of said polymers is selected from the group consisting of thepolymonoolefins; copolymers of monoolefins with other monoolefins, vinylacetate or vinyl chloride; chlorinated polyethylene; chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene; and poly(vinyl chloride).
 11. A composition according toclaim 10 wherein the essentially saturated polymer or mixture of saidpolymers is selected from the group consisting of poly(vinyl chloride),chlorinated polyethylene and ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer.
 12. Aprocess for curing an essentially saturated polymer or a mixture of suchpolymers which comprisesincorporating into said polymer or mixture ofsaid polymers for each 100 parts by weight of polymer 0 to 10 parts byweight of an organic peroxide, and from 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of anunsaturated hydantoin of the formula ##STR13## wherein R₁ and R₂ areindependently each hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or phenyl, orR₁ or R₂ together are alkylene of 4 to 6 carbon atoms, and subjectingthe resultant composition to heat at elevated temperature when anorganic peroxide is present or to radiation at ambient temperature inthe absence of a peroxide in order to effect curing of the essentiallysaturated polymer or mixture of such polymers.
 13. A process accordingto claim 12 where in the hydantoin compound R₁ and R₂ are independentlyeach alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or R₁ and R₂ together arepentamethylene.
 14. A process according to claim 12 wherein thehydantoin compound is 1,3-divinyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin.
 15. A processaccording to claim 12 wherein 3 to 5 parts by weight of an unsaturatedhydantoin is used.
 16. A process according to claim 12 wherein theorganic peroxide is selected from the group consisting of arylperoxides, acyl peroxides, aralkyl peroxides, alkyl peroxides and ketoneperoxides.
 17. A process according to claim 16 wherein 1.5 to 5 parts byweight of organic peroxide is used.
 18. A process according to claim 16wherein the organic peroxide is dicumyl peroxide.
 19. A processaccording to claim 12 when curing is done by radiation from γ-rays fromthe radioisotope cobalt-60 or from high-energy electrons.
 20. A processaccording to claim 19 when curing is done by radiation from high-energyelectrons.
 21. A composition prepared according to the process of claim12 wherein the essentially saturated polymer or mixture of said polymersis selected from the group consisting of the polymonoolefins; copolymersof monoolefins with other monoolefins, vinyl acetate or vinyl chloride;chlorinated polyethylene; chlorosulfonated polyethylene; and poly(vinylchloride).
 22. A composition according to claim 21 wherein theessentially saturated polymer or mixture of said polymers is selectedfrom the group consisting of poly(vinyl chloride), chlorinatedpolyethylene and ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer.